A few weeks ago, I filled out an application to become an affiliate marketer for one of my favorite companies whom I have been doing business with since 2004. This is the response I received from them today:

Thank you for expressing interest in partnering with B&H. While you are placing attention on adding more written reviews to your site, at this time, we are looking for more consistent robust technical content with opportunities for large traction. We thank you again and wish you much success.

…I guess if that is all that matters to them then I don’t really need to monetize Talking Tree using their affiliate links? This site will grow and gain more traction, I’m sure of it! I guess they failed to do the proper amount of research regarding my social media influence on Flickr, and Instagram? They are also failing to realize that I started this blog back up again as a result of my personal growth on social media.

I’m building Talking Tree slowly, one day at a time. I’ve committed myself to updating four different blogs. This is my photography site dedicated to tips, insights, artist highlights, and talented Instagrammers that I stumble upon. Not only is Talking Tree dedicated to the art of photography, but it also embraces the speed at which the technologies in the imaging world are progressing. I don’t care whether old vanguard photographers declare that only professionals work with Silver Crystals (film) in a traditional dark room – I believe in any well-established “pro” who embraces the iPhone as their every day tool. What matters is the fact that mobile technology is bringing more people into the field. We should welcome new innovations because there is no stopping this tsunami of change. What an adventure to be alive during this transition from film to digital! For the last 15 years I went from shooting an old Russian Zenit SLR to digital Micro Four Thirds cameras.

My niche is very specific – Photography and new technology. I enjoy editing photos on an iPhone 5 about as much as I love shooting an interchangeable lens cameras. I’m digitally wired and love social networking and meeting new creatives (through Instagram) from all over the world. This is what I want to write about. Instagram has been a major tool for me ; you can find me: @Talking_Tree or Tumblr.

A little over a year ago my brother, Joseph Cowlishaw, inspired me to get a iPhone and which took a while for me to catch onto. My workflow now involves Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop CC and then the images get transferred to to my iPhone for any finishing changes, usually utilizing Instagram filters! There’s apps out there that give Adobe products a run for their money as well. Here are a few highly recommended apps: Mextures, Snapseed, Hipstamatic & Repix, just to name a few of my favorites.